The Chancellor

Written by Kati Marton

Narrated by Kati Marton and Alex Allwine

The “captivating” (The New York Times), definitive biography of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, detailing the extraordinary rise and political brilliance of the most powerful—and elusive—woman in the world.

Angela Merkel has always been an outsider. A pastor’s daughter raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany, she spent her twenties working as a research chemist, entering politics only after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And yet within fifteen years, she had become chancellor of Germany and, before long, the unofficial leader of the West.

In this “masterpiece of discernment and insight” (The New York Times Book Review), acclaimed biographer Kati Marton sets out to pierce the mystery of Merkel’s unlikely ascent. With unparalleled access to the chancellor’s inner circle and a trove of records only recently come to light, she teases out the unique political genius that had been the secret to Merkel’s success. No modern leader so ably confronted Russian aggression, enacted daring social policies, and calmly unified an entire continent in an era when countries are becoming more divided. Again and again, she cleverly outmaneuvered strongmen like Putin and Trump, and weathered surprisingly complicated relationships with allies like Obama and Macron.

Famously private, the woman who emerges from this “impressively researched” (The Wall Street Journal) account is a role model for anyone interested in gaining and keeping power while staying true to one’s moral convictions. At once a “riveting” (Los Angeles Review of Books) political biography, an intimate human portrait, and a revelatory look at successful leadership in action, The Chancellor brings forth one of the most extraordinary women of our time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797130972

Kati Marton

Kati Marton is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including True Believer: Stalin’s Last American Spy and Enemies of the People: My Family’s Journey to America, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. An award-winning former NPR correspondent and ABC News bureau chief in Germany, she was born in Hungary and lives in New York City.

Reviews for The Chancellor

[Akiva Herzfeld · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Informative account of the leadership style of meeker and values

[Joan Gilbert · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rather superficial. Ended up knowing little more than I could have learned from Wikipedia.

[Tommy Broyles · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found it interesting to learn more about Chancelor Merkel. The first 50-60% of the book was interesting for this reason. But overall, the book is a shallow attempt to provide insight about one of the most significant leaders of the 21st century.

I enjoy well written biographies but this is not one of them. The author’s opinions on the Chancellor’s handling of the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine misses the mark, and is even a bit embarrassing given the present time.

To be clear, I respect and somewhat admire the Chancellor. For this reason, I look forward to reading a well written and meaningful biography when one is released.

[UmiMare · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Highly recommended. Excellent portrait of Angela Merkel leadership in the European political arena. Extraordinary interpretation of the narrator.

[Sara Hewitt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book, poorly read. Have a new appreciation for Merkel.
Wondered if voice was computer generated. Mispronounced well known place names (like "Canx France").
Worth the listen in spite of that.

[Stijn van Dijken · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This biographie's biggest shortcoming is simultaneously what makes Merkel interesting. Her private, quiet controlled governing style doesn't make for much spectacle or details about her motivations. Still, the book conveys a certain admiration for Merkel and her governing style.
I feel like more details about domestic political affairs could have added some value.

[Vivian Adelene Adram · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally loved this book! Never knew much about her but now I’m a huge fan and want to be as strong as she is! Bravo!